Victoria residents launch fundraiser to rebuild Stadacona Park playground

A group of local community members have launched an online fundraiser to see that the Stadacona Park playground is rebuilt in time for summer. 

The playground was destroyed in a fire that is believed to have been human-caused on Tuesday, March 31st, at around 1:15 a.m. 

Since that time VicPD have arrested one individual suspected of alleged arson. 

Because the playground meant so much to the Fernwood and Jubilee communities surrounding it, a GoFundMe page was created to raise $100,000 that will be put towards a replacement playground. 

“We’re part of the local community that has seen first-hand the positive impact Stadacona Park playground has had for families in Victoria,” said Mark Wyatt, organizer of the fundraiser.   

“It’s been a space where kids play, families gather and neighbours connect.”

In the aftermath of the blaze, the City of Victoria reported being in very early talks with insurance providers; however, the playground structure was not insured by the City. 

The playground cost approximately $600,000 to build back in 2023. 

City spokesperson Colleen Mycroft says that staff are looking for other ways to help pay for the playground replacement via the Capital Contingency Reserve Budget, which has approximately $350,000 in it. 

If used to replace the playground, the endeavour would likely deplete the whole fund. 

Mycroft says that, similar to how a fundraiser was started for Victoria’s hanging basket program, this new community fundraiser for the playground could help a great deal. 

“We would obviously put this money towards a new play structure and have it reinstalled as quickly as possible,” Mycroft told Victoria Buzz. 

“Every dollar helps, and we’re really thankful to residents that have stepped up and want to contribute to their community.”

Mycroft also confirmed that the City is hoping to get the playground rebuilt within a couple of months, depending on a few factors that are still up in the air. 

As of this publication, the GoFundMe has raised just under $10,000 of the $100,000 goal.